Syracuse Spinal Cord Injury
Lawyer

A spinal cord injury changes life in an instant. Whether caused by a severe car crash, a fall, a workplace accident, or an act of violence, these injuries can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, loss of independence, and staggering medical costs. Survivors and their families are suddenly faced with overwhelming decisions—about treatment, long-term care, mobility support, and how to rebuild daily life moving forward.

At Catalano Law, we know just how life-altering a spinal cord injury is, not just physically but emotionally and financially. Our mission is simple: to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing and protecting your future. With decades of experience representing seriously injured clients across New York, our attorneys fight relentlessly for the maximum compensation available under the law.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to stand up for your rights every step of the way.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury occurs when trauma damages the spinal cord or surrounding nerves, disrupting the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. This causes varying degrees of paralysis, loss of sensation, and changes in bodily function.

Spinal cord injuries are generally classified as:

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

A complete injury causes a total loss of sensory and motor function below the point of trauma. Individuals may experience:

• Paraplegia: Loss of movement and sensation in the lower body
• Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Loss of function in both the arms and legs

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

An incomplete injury means some movement or sensation remains below the injury site. The symptoms vary widely and may include:

• Partial limb control
• Altered sensation
• Difficulty walking
• Impaired bladder and bowel function

Regardless of classification, all spinal cord injuries require immediate and long-term medical intervention. Victims often face intensive rehabilitation, assistive devices, and lifelong adjustments that dramatically affect independence and quality of life.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in New York

Spinal cord injuries frequently result from high-impact or high-risk incidents—many of which are completely preventable. The most common causes we see at Catalano Law include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, like this recent tragic incident in Syracuse, can be leading causes of spinal trauma. The extreme forces involved in collisions can compress or sever the spinal cord, resulting in permanent damage.

• Falls From Height and Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Falls from ladders, scaffolding, icy walkways, or poorly maintained properties are another major cause of spinal injuries, especially when the fall impacts the neck or back.

• Workplace Accidents

Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial job sites pose significant injury risks. Falls from height, equipment failures, or crush injuries can cause devastating spinal damage.

• Acts of Violence

Physical assaults and gunshot wounds, like those suffered in this altercation last fall, can severely damage the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.

• Sports and Recreational Injuries

Diving accidents, high-contact sports, and cycling or skiing incidents account for many incomplete spinal cord injuries—particularly among teens and young adults.

No matter the cause, if someone else’s carelessness—or wrongful action—led to the injury, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

The Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries do not end after emergency treatment. Survivors face lifelong challenges that affect every aspect of daily living.

Extensive Medical Treatment

Spinal cord injury care often requires:

• Emergency surgery
• Intensive rehabilitation
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy
• Mobility equipment (wheelchairs, braces, assistive tech)
• Pain management
• Ongoing medical monitoring

Lifetime medical expenses for spinal cord injuries can reach millions of dollars—and insurance rarely covers everything.

Loss of Independence and Mobility

Many victims need assistance performing daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, cooking, or getting in and out of a vehicle. Homes often require costly modifications, including ramps, widened doorways, stair lifts, and accessible bathrooms.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

Sudden changes in mobility, lifestyle, and independence often lead to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Family members may also struggle with the emotional and financial strain of caregiving.

Impact on Employment and Earning Capacity

Some survivors can return to work with accommodations; others are permanently unable to return to their previous careers. Reduced earning potential has long-term financial implications that must be accounted for in any injury claim.

Where to Go in Syracuse if You Suspect a Spinal Cord Injury

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, immediate medical evaluation is critical. Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to severe or permanent complications when left untreated. Syracuse is home to several highly respected hospitals and trauma centers equipped to diagnose and treat spinal cord injuries quickly and effectively.

• Upstate University Hospital
• St. Joseph’s Health Hospital
• Crouse Hospital
• Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital
• Syracuse VA Medical Center

Compensation Available After a Spinal Cord Injury

At Catalano Law, we fight for full and fair compensation—not just for today’s losses, but for every future need the injury will create. Recoverable damages may include:

• Medical Costs

All past, current, and future medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices

• Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity

Compensation for time away from work and the long-term impact on your ability to earn a living

• Pain and Suffering

Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of mobility, and loss of enjoyment of life

• Long-Term and In-Home Care

Funding for caregivers, nursing services, or specialized living facilities

• Home and Vehicle Modifications

Compensation for wheelchair-accessible home modifications and adaptive vehicle equipment

• Other Out-of-Pocket Costs

Transportation to medical appointments, mobility aids, and any other expenses caused by the injury

Our attorneys calculate the full financial impact of your injury, ensuring your settlement or verdict reflects the true cost of lifelong care.

Proving Liability in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

To obtain compensation, it must be shown that another party acted negligently or recklessly. Catalano Law builds strong, evidence-backed cases through:

Determining Fault

We identify every responsible party—which may include drivers, property owners, employers, contractors, or manufacturers of defective equipment.

Collecting and Analyzing Evidence

We gather:

• Medical records
• Accident reports
• Surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Safety inspection records
• Expert testimony

Handling Insurance Companies

Insurers often try to minimize payouts or dispute the severity of long-term complications. We negotiate aggressively to prevent lowball offers and ensure your needs are fully accounted for.

Preparing for Litigation

If insurance companies won’t agree to fair compensation, our team is fully prepared to take your case to trial.

The Role of Expert Testimony

Spinal cord injury cases often require support from experts who can explain the severity of the injury and predict long-term needs. Catalano Law works closely with:

• Medical experts to describe the impairment and likelihood of recovery
• Economic experts to calculate lifetime earning capacity loss
• Accident reconstruction specialists to determine how the injury occurred
• Life care planners to detail the cost of lifelong treatment and accommodations

These experts help build a compelling, detailed case that accurately reflects the full magnitude of the injury.

Why Choose Catalano Law for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case?

Compassionate, Client-Focused Support

We understand the emotional and physical toll a spinal cord injury takes on a family. We treat every client with respect, patience, and compassion.

Decades of Experience With Catastrophic Injuries

Our attorneys have successfully handled some of the most complex and high-value injury cases in New York.

A Proven Record of Results

We fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation available under the law—both in negotiations and in court.

No Upfront Fees

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Local Advocates You Can Trust

Catalano Law is deeply rooted in the communities we serve. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that cares about your recovery and your future.

Contact Catalano Law’s Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today

A spinal cord injury is life-changing, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice, financial security, and the support needed to rebuild your life.

Contact Catalano Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.